Master in International Relations Pgdip

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.

For those seeking to decode the complexities of global politics, this programme offers a rigorous investigation into why states behave as they do, the origins of armed conflict, and the efficacy of international institutions like the United Nations. It moves beyond traditional state-centric analysis, inviting students to critically examine contemporary issues such as global health policy, humanitarian intervention, human displacement, and the legacies of colonialism. By balancing foundational theoretical training with a diverse range of elective specialisations, you will develop the methodological precision required to conduct independent, high-level research into the forces shaping our world.

Studying in Northern Ireland provides a unique lens on international affairs, as the region serves as a global model for conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Our faculty are world-leading experts whose work informs policy at the highest levels, ensuring that your education remains deeply connected to 'live' issues—from the dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle Eastern conflicts to the ongoing impacts of BREXIT and climate change. You will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community that draws on history, sociology, and political philosophy to prepare you for impactful roles in the public and private sectors.